3-oxo-delta5-thieno or furo [4&#39;, 3&#39;, 2&#39;-4, 5, 6] steroids and process for the production thereof



United States Patent 3,300,485 3-OXO-A -THIENO OR FURO[4',3',2'-4,5,6]STEROIDS AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION THERE- 0F Taichiro Komeno, ,Osaka-shi, Japan, assignor to Shionogi 8: Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan N0 Drawing. Filed Jan. 3, 1964, Ser. No. 335,662 Claims priority, application Japan, Apr. 3, 1962,

. e 37/ 13,418 25 Claims. (Cl. 260-2395) wherein R is hydrogen or lower alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, pentyl) and X is sulfur or oxygen, .1

It is an object of the present invention to embody the said 3-oxo-A thieno or furo[4',3',2',-4,5,6]steroids. Another object of this invention is to embody a generally applicable process for constructing a condensed thiophene or furane nucleus at the 4-, 5- and 6-positions of steroid. Another object 'of this invention is to embody the '3- oxo-A -thieno or fur o[4',3',2-4,5,'6]steroids having pharmacological activity. A further object of the invention is to embody starting compounds in production of the 3- oxo-A -thieno or furo[4',3,2-4,5,6]steroids. These and other objects will be apparent to those conversant with the art to which the present invention pertains from the subsequent description.

The objective 3-oxo-A thien o or furo[4',3',2'-4,5,6]- steroid can be prepared from the corresponding 3-oxo-A 6-acylthio or acyloxysteriod lay subjecting the latter to dehydrative ring closure, the conversion being representable by the following partial formula scheme:

' Patented Jan. 24, 1967 ICC wherein R and X each has the same significance as designated above and the ripple mark (5) represents a generic configuration of aand B-configurations.

The said dehydrative ring closure is generally applicable to 3-oxo-A -6-acylthio or acyloxysteroids having the partial structure of Formula II. The steric configur-ationof the acylthio or acyloxy group at the 6-position of the starting material has substantially no effect on the reaction; that is, the acylthio or acyloxy group may have aor ,B-configurati-on. Furthermore, such a substituent Which does not exert any substantial effect on the reaction, as l-methyl, l-rnethoxy, 9-fluoro, ll-oxo, 16-methyl, 17-

, methyl, 17-ethynyl, 17-hydroxy, 17-oxo or -17-acetyl, may

exist at any position except the 3- to 7-po sitions on steroid skeleton. Specific examples of the 3-oxo-A -6-acyl thio or acyloxysteriod include 6a-formylthio-4-androstene-3,17-dione, 6a-acetylthio-4 androstene-3,17-dione, Gfl-acetylthio-4-androstene-3,17-dione, 6u-propionylthio-4-androstene-3 ,17-dione, 6a-butyrylthio-4-androstene-3,l7-dione,

6B-valerylthio-4-'androstene-3,17-dione,

6a-acetylthio-17/8-acetYloxy-4-androsten-3-one, 6fi-acetylthio-17 3-acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one, 6a-propi onylthiol7 8-acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one,' 6m-propionylthio-17,8-propionyloxy-4-androsten-3-one, 6}.3-acetyltl1io-17B-propionyloxy-4-androstem-3-one, 6/8-acetylthiol7fl-hexanoyloxy-4-androsten-St-one, 6a-acetylthio 17,8-hy-droxy-4 androsten-3-one, 6a-propionylthio-175-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one, 6a-butyrylthiol7 8-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one, 6a-formylthio-17 3-hydroxy-17a-methy-l-4-androsten-3-one, 6a-acetylthio-17B-acetyloxy-4-estren-3-one, 6/3-acetylthio-17fi-acetyloxy-4-estren-3-one, 6a-butyrylthio-17fl-acetyloxy-4-estren-3-one, 6fi-valerylthio-17,8-acetyloxy-4-estren-3-one, 6a-acetylthio-17fl-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one,

, 6 ,B-acetylthiol 7 3-hydroxy-4-estren-3 -one,

17/3-hydnoxy-5 '-methylfiuro [4,3,2'-4,5 ,6] -5 -estren- 3-one,

17fi-hydroXy-5 -ethylfuro [4,3 ',2'-4,5,6 -5-estren-3 -one,

17/3-acetyloxy-l7a-ethynylfuro [4,3 ,2-4,5,6 -5- estren-3-one,

furo [4,3 ',2-4,5,6 -5-pregnene-3,20dione,

5 '-methylfuro [4,3 ,2'-4,5 ,6] -5 -pregnene-3,20-dione,

5 '-ethylfuro [4,3 ',2-4,5 ,6] -5 -preg'nene-3 ,ZO-dione,

17oc-hYdIOXY-5 -methyl furo [4',3',2'-4,5 ,6] -5 -pregnene- 3 ,ZO dio ne,

furo [4,3 ,2'-4,5 ,6] -5 -c-holesten-3 -one,

5 methylfuro[4,3',2-4,5,6] 5-.cholesten-3 -one,

17,20,20,21 bismethylenedioXy-5-ethylfur-o [4,3 ,2'-

4,5 ,6] -5 -pre.gne11-3 -one,

17a,21-dihydroXy-5'-methylfur-o[4,3 ,2-4,5 ,6] -5 pregnene-3 ,20-dine,

17a-hydroXy-21-propionyloxy-5methylfuro [4,3 ,2'-

4,5 ,6] -pregnene-3,20*-di0ne,

17,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-5'amethylfuro[4,3 ,2'-

4,5 ,6] -5 -pregnene-3,1 l-dione,

17,20,2-0,2 l-bismet-hylenedioxy-S '-propylfuro [4,3 ,2-

4,5 ,6] -5 -pregnene-3,1 l-dione,

17u,2l-dihydroxy-5 'amethylfuro [4,3 ,2-4,5 ,6] -5- pregnene-3,1 1,20-trione,

17a,2 1-dihydroxy-5 -butylfuro [4,3 ',2-4,5,6 -5- pregnene-3,1 1,20-trione,

17u-hydroXy-2 1 -acetyloxyfuro [4,3 ',2-4,5 ,6] -5 pregnene-3,11,20-tri0ne,

17u-hydroxy-2 1 -acetyloxy-5 amethylfuro [4',3',2'-4,5 ,6]

5-pregnene-3,11,20-trione,

17a-hydr-oXy-2 1-hexanoyloxy-S'methylfiuro [4,3 ,2-

4,5 ,6 -5 -pregnene-3 ,1 1,20-trione,

17,20,20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy-l 1 a-hYdIOXY-S -methylfuro [4,3',2-4,5 ,6] 5-pregnen-3 one,

17,20,20,2 l-bismethylenedioxy-l 1 fi-hydroXy-S -methylfuro [4',3',2'-4,5 ,6] -5 -pregnen-3-one,

etc. Especially preferred products may be represented by the following generic formula:

wherein R, R, X, A and B each has the same significance as designated above.

The 3-oXo-A -thien0 or fiuro[4,3,2-4,5,6]steroids are useful as antagonists to hormonic substances. Especially, the 3-oxo-A -thieno or furo[4',3',2'-4,5,-6]steroids represented by Formula B generally and characteristic-ally exhibit anti-pro gestati-onal and/or anti-deciduomatogenic activities and are useful as anti-fertility agents. For instance, intrauterine injection of those compounds (61g.

5 -methylthieno [4,3 ,2'-4,5 ,6] -5 -pregnene-3 ,20-dione,

17fi-acetyloxy-17a-ethynyI-S methyIthienO [4,3 ,2-

4,5 ,6] -5 -estren-3-one,

17,8-acetyloxy-5 amethylfuro [4,3 ',2'-4,5,6] -5-androsten- 3-one,

5'-methy1furo [4,3 ',2.-4,5, 6]-5-pregnene-13,20-dione) at a dose smaller than 2.5 milligrams per horn produced significant block of progestational response induced by subcutaneous administration of 4 milligrams of progesterone in the Clauberg rabbits (the estrogen-pruned immature rabbits). Further, for instance, intrauterine injection of those compounds (eg.

at a dose smaller than 0.2 milligram per horn produced significant block of decid'ual growth induced by subcutaneous administration of 3.6 milligrams of progesterone in the sprayed female mice. In addition, those compounds each may exhibit any other physiological activity. For instance, acetyloxy-S'methylthien-o[4,3,2'-4,5,6]-5- estren-3-one and 1713 acetyloxy-17a-ethyny1-5'-methylthieno [4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5-estren 3 one showed uterotropic activity and 17,8-acetyloxy-5'anethylfuro[4,3,2-4,5,6]- 5-androsten-3-one showed -anti-androgenic activity.

Still, the starting 3oX0-A -6-acylthio or acyloxy-steroids having the partial structure of Formula Il may be prepared by various novel or conventional procedures. Some typical procedures are illustrated below.

(1) Dehydration of 3-oxo-5a-hydroXy-6 3-acylthio or acyloXyster-oids:

X-GQ-R (IIa) it-co-a (IIb) wherein R and X each has the same significance as designated aJbove. I

In this procedure, the 3-OXOr5ochYdIOXY-QB-ECYlthlO or acyloxysteroid having the partial structure of Formula 111, which is produced by reacting the corresponding 3- oxo-S a,6a-epoXy.ster-oid with alkanethi-olic acid or alkanoic acid, is treated with an acid (e.-g. hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, p-toluene-sulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid) or a combination of an inorganic oxyacid halide (e.g. thionyl chloride, t-hionylbromide, phosphorus oxychl-oride, phosphorus oxybromide) with an organic base (erg. pyridine, pioolinc, trimethylaimine, triethylanrine, dimethylainiline), if desired, in ,a suitable. solvent (eig. acetic acid, dirnethylfonmamide, irnethylsuccinirni-de, ace-.

tone, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran) at a relatively low temperature from about to about'30" C. for a wide range of period from few minutes to several tens hours Whereby the 3-oxo-A -6fl-acylthio or acyloxysteroidhavinig the partial structure of Formula Ila or the 3-oXo-A -6a-acy1- thio or acyloxysteroid having the partial structure of Formula Ilb is obtained. Generally stated, the use of an acid as the reagent gives the 6a-isomer and the use of a combination of an inorganic o gyacid halide with an organic base affords the QB-isomer. The 6fl-isomer can be readily converted into the oat-isomer by treating the former with the acid as stated above.

(2) Substitution of the halogen atom at the 6-position of 3-oXo-A -6B-halogenosteroids with an acylthio group:

wherein X is halogen (e.g. chlorine, bromine, iodine) and R has the same significance as designated above.

In this procedure, the 3-oXo-A -6;8-halogenosteroid having the partial structure of. Formula IV, which is produced by reacting the corresponding 3-oXo-A -steroid with a halogenating agent, is treated with alkali metal alkanethiolate (e.g. sodium thiolacetate, sodium thiolpropionate, potassium thiolacetate, potassium thiolpropionate, potas- 10 I sium thiolbutyrate) in an inert solvent (e.g. dimethylformamide, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone) normally at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for several hours whereby the 3-oxo-A -6a-acylthiosteroid having the partial structure of Formula is obtained. It may be noted that the use of alkali metal alkanoate in place of alkali metal alkanethiol-ate in this procedure results in introduction of an acyl group into not the 6-position but the 2-position.

(3) Acyl-ation of 3-oxo-A -6;3-hydroxysteroids:

J I /T OH O-GO-R (IId) wherein R has the same significance as designated above.

In this procedure, the 3-oxo-A -6 8-hydroxysteroid having the partial structureof Formula V, which is produced by subjecting the corresponding 3-oXo-A -steroid.

to enoletherification or enolesterification in a conventional manner and reacting the resultant eriolether or enolester with per acid such as monoperphthalic acid, is treated with-alkanoic anhydride (e.g. acetic anhydride, propi-onic anhydride, butyric anhydride) in the presence of an organic base (cg. pyridine, picoline, dimethylaniline, triethylamine) usually at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for several to several tens hours whereby the 3-oxo-A 6fl-acyloxysteroid having the partial structure of GO-R (IIc) acetone, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran) from about 0 to about 30 C. for a wide range of period from few minutes to several tens hours.

The following examples set forth illustratively presently-preferred embodiments of the invention. In the examples, abbreviations each has conventional significance: e.g., g., gram(s); ml., millilitre(s); 0., degrees centigrade; Anal. Calcd., analysis calculated.

1 1 EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 5'-methylthieno[4,3',2'-4,5,6]-5- andrstene-3,Z 7 di0ne HO SOOCHs (A) To a solution of u-hydr0xy-6fl-acetylthio-5a-androstane-3,17-dione (2.00 g.) in pyridine (60 m1), there is dropwise added thionyl chloride (1.00 g.) while cooling with a mixture of sodium chloride and ice, and the resultant mixture is stirred for minutes under the same condition. After decomposition of excess of the reagent with ice, the reaction mixture is shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue is crystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give 6fi-acetylthio-4-androstene-3,17-dione (1.42 g.) as crystals melting at 170 to 171 C. [a] +298.8i2 (C.=1.005,ch1oroform).

UV-spectrumzhfi g'if 237 m (6: 15,820). IR-spectrum: page GEL-121737, 1689, 1678, 1617, 1117.

Analysis.-Oalcd. for C H O S: C, 69.96; H, 7.83; S, 8.89. Found: C, 70.30; H, 7.97; S, 8.82.

(B) 618-acetylthio-4-androstene-3,17-dione 1.00 g.) is chromatographed on alumina g.). The fractions eluated with petroleum ether-benzene (1: 1) and benzene are combined together, concentrated to dryness and crystallized from ether to give 5'-methylthien-o [4',3,2'-4,5,6]-5- androstene-3,l7-dione 0.67 g.) as crystals melting at 234 to 235 C. [a] +38.9- -2 (C.=1.027, chloroform). UV-speetrum: A2523? m 221 (6: 13,730), 268.5 (6: 12, 240), 304 (shoulder; 6: 2,710). -spectrum: vgifiif cmr 1735, 1664, 1573, 1493.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 73.64; H, 7.65; S, 9.36. Found: C, 73.75; H, 7.68; S, 9.35.

The starting material of this example, 5a-hydroxy-6fiacetylthiO-Sa-andmstane 3,17 dione, is prepared from 5a,6u-epoxy-5wandrostane-3,17-dione [Campbell et al.: J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 80, p. 4717 (1958)] according to thiolacetic acid at room temperature.

o no

12 EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 5 '-methy lth ieno [4 ,3 ,2-4,5 ,6 5 -andr0stene-3,1 7-di0ne HO SOOOHs $000113 H3O S (A) To a solution of 5ot-hydroxy-6fi-acetylthio-Sotandrostane-3,17-dione (059 g.) in glacial acetic acid (20 ml.), dry hydrogen chloride is passed through for 45 minutes. The reaction mixture is combined with water and extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed with Water and the solvent evaporated to give 6aacety1- thio-4-andr0stene-3,17-dione (0.55 g.) as a crude oil. fitz-gpectrumz v,'.f' cur 1736, 1688, 1679, 1616,

(B) 6ot-acetylthio-4-androstene 3,17 dione (0.55 g.) is chromatographed on alumina (10 g.). The fractions elu'ated with petroleum ether-benzene (1:1) and benzene are combined together, concentrated to dryness and crystallized from acetone to give 5'-methylthieno[4',3,2-4, 5,6]-5-androstene-3,17-dione (0.19 g.) as crystals melting at 234 to 235 C.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 5'-methylthien0[4',3',2'-4,5,6]-

5-andr0stene-3,17-di0ne Ho SOOCH: sooorn ooom (A) 50: hydroxy 6,8-acetylthio-5a-androstane-3,17-dione is reacted with thionyl chloride in pyridine as in Example 1(A) whereby 6/3-acetylthi0-4-androstene-3,17- dione is produced.

(B) A mixture of' 6B-acetylthio-4-androstene-3,17-dione (1.24 g.), glacial acetic acid (25 m1.) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.21 g.) is allowed to stand at room temperature 10 to 30 C.) for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of the solvent by evaporation, the residue is ohromatographed on activated magnesium silicate. The middle fraction eluat-ed with petroleum ether-benzene is concentrated to give 6a-acetylthio-4-androstene-3,l7-dione (0.68 g.) as a crude oil.

(C) 6a-acetylthio-4-androstene 3,17 dione is treated with alumina as in Example 2(B) whereby 5methylthieno[4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5-androstene-3,l7-dione is produced.

EXAMPLE 4 O COCHa O OOCH:

o w k to (A) To a solution of 5a-hydroxy-6fl-acetylthio-17,8- acetyloxy-Sa-androstan-S-one (6.53 g.) in pyridine (65 ml.), there is dropwise added thionyl chloride (4 ml.) while stirring at C. After 5 minutes, the reaction mixture is poured into a mixture of ice and Water and then shaken with chloroform. The chloroform layer is separated, washed with dilute hydrochloric acid solution and water in order and dried. After removal of the solvent by evaporation, the residue (4.75 g.) is crystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give"crystals (2.55 g.). The :mother liquor of crystallization is concentrated and chrom-atographed on activated magnesium silicate. From the eluates with benzene and benzene-ether, there are obtained additional crystals (0.21 g.). The crystals are combined together and recrystallized from the mixture of ether and petroleum ether to give 6/8-acety1thio-l7flacetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (2.59 g.) as pure crystals melting at 144 to 145 C. +186.5:2 (C.=1.026, chloroform).

(0.52 g.) is chromatographed on alumina g.). The.

fractions elu ated with petroleum ether benz/ene'-,('l 1) and benzene are combined together, concentrated and crystallized from a mixtureof acetone and hexane to give 175- acetyloxy 5' methylthieno[4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5-androsten-3- 14 one (0.23 g.) as crystals melting at 147 to 148 C. [uJ 33.0i2 (C.=1.047, chloroform).

UV-spectrum: M522? m 221 (e: 12,900), 268.5 (6: 12, 740), 304 (e: 2,440). v

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 71.46; H, 7.82; S, 8.30. Found: C, 71.26; H, 7.97; S, 8.59.

(C) 175 acetyloxy 5-methy'lthieno[4',3,2-4,5,6]-5- 'androsten-3-one (0.22 'g.) is combined with potassium carbonate (0.30 g.) and aqueous methanol (25 ml.), and the resultant mixture is refluxed for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure and combined with water. The separated crystals are collected by filtration and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give 17 8-hydroxy-5'-methylthieno- [4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5-androsten-3-one (0.13 g.) as crystals melting at 208 to 210 C. 27.4 (C.=1.067,

ethanol).

UV-spectrurn: kill? m 221 (6: 12,550), 268.5 (e: 11, 740), 304 (6: 2,360). IR-spectrum: vfiif emf z 3620, 3354, 1665, 1573, 1494, 1051.

Analysis.Ca'lcd. for C H O S: C, 73.21; H, 8.19; S, 9.31. Found: C, 73.30; H, 8.15; S, 9.35.

The starting material of this example, 5ot-hydroxy-6B- acetylthio-17/3-acetyloxy-5a-androstan-3-one, is prepared from 3,3-ethylenedioxy-5a,6ot-epoxy-17fl-acetyloxy-5a-androstane [Ringold et al.:' Tetrahedron, vol. 7, p. 138 (1959)] according to the following scheme:

OCOCHs Treating with thlolacetic acid at room temperature itefluxing with acetic acid no sooorn EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 17fi-acetyloxy-5'-methylthieno [4',3',2'- 4,5,6] -5-andr0sten-3-0ne OCOOHa CCOOI-Is UV-spectrum: M32? 235 m (6: 16,820). IR-spectrum:

v cut- 1741, 1687, 1618, 1244, 1134, 1044, 1016.

Analysis-Calcd. for C H O S: C, 68.28; H, 7.97; S, 7.93. Found: C, 68.39; H, 8.10; S, 7.89.

(B) 600 acetylthio 175 acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (1.00 g.) is chromatographed on alumina (30 g.) and treated as in- Example 4(B) to give 17;8-acetyloxy-5- methylthieno[4',3,2'-4,5,6]-5-androsten-3-one (0.6 g.) as crystals melting at 147 to 148 C.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 1 7 ,B-acetyloxy-S '-methylthien0[4 ',3 ',2'- 4,5,6] --andr0sten-3-0ne OCOCHa HaC S OOOOI-Ia (A) 50: hydroxy 6,9 acetylthio-17/3-acetyloxy-5a-androstan-3-one is reacted with thionyl chloride in pyridine as in Example 4(A) whereby 6fi-acetylthio-17fl-acetyloxy- 4-androsten-3-one is produced.

(B) 65 acetylthio 17p acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (2.76 g.) is dissolved in a mixture of p-toluenesulfonic acid rnonohydrate (0.60 g.) and glacial acetic acid (30 ml.), and the resultant solution is allowed to stand at room temperature to 30 C.) for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is combined With water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water and dilute sodium carbonate solution in order and dried. After removal of the solvent by evaporation, the residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate (60 g.). The fractions eluated with benzene and benzene-ether (9:1-4: 1) are combined together, concentrated and crystallized from methanol to give 6a-acetylthio-17fi-acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (1.15 g.) as crystals melting at 192 to 194 C.

(C) 60c acetylthio 17p acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one is treated with alumina as in Example 5 (B) whereby 17/3- acetyloxy 5' methylthieno[4',3',2-4,5,6]-5-androsten-3- one is produced.

1 6 EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 17fl-hydr0xy-5'-methylthien0[4',3',2'- 4,5,6] -5-andr0sten 3 -one 0 COOH;

no sooom OCOCHa OH l o: o

sooom (A) 50c hydroxy 6,8 acetylthio 17,8 acetyl-oxy-5uandr-osten-3-one is reacted with thionyl chloride in pyridine as in Example 4(A) whereby 6p-acetylthio-17B- acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one is produced. v

(B) 6/3 acetylthio acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (0.49 g.) is dissolved in anhydrous ethanol (15 ml.), and an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide prepared from ethanol (20 ml.) and metallic sodium (1.00 g.) is added thereto. The resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with a large amount of water, acidified with 5% hydrochloric acid and then shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water in order, dried and concentrated. The residue (0.41 g.) is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate 10 g.). The fractions eluated with benzene and benzene-ether are combined tobether, concentrated and crystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give 17p-hydroxy-5'- methylthieno[4,3',2'-4,5,6]-5-androsten-3-one (0.24 g.) as crystals melting at 208 to 210 C.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 5 '-methylthien0 [4',3,2'-4,5,6] -5-cholestenmp m HO SQOCHs C 0 CH3 I H3O S (A) To a solution of 5u-hydroxy-6B-acetylthio-5ucholesten-3-one (1.44 g.) in pyridine (14 ml.), there is dropwise added thionyl chloride (0.70 ml.) at C. while stirring. After 10 minutes, the reaction mixture is poured into a mixture of ice and water and shaken with a mixture of ether and benzene. The organic solvent layer is washed with water, dried and concentrated. The resultant oil (1.15 g.) is crystallized from petroleum ether and recrystallized from methanol to give 6,8-acetylthio-4-cholesten-3-one (0.92 g.) as crystals melting at 106 to 107 C. [M +168.5:3 (C.=0.874, chloroform). UV-speotrurn: )\,';f240 mu. (5 15,320). IRspeotrum: ugh-5 MIL-12 1693, 1672, 1612, 1124 Analysis. Calcd. for C H O S: C, 75.93; H, 10.11; S, 6.99. Found: C, 76.13; H, 10.20; S, 6.93.

(B) To a solution of 6B-acetylthio-4-cholesten-3-one (0.26 g.) in ethanol (20 ml.), there is added an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide prepared from metallic sodium (0.50 g.) and anhydrous ethanol (10 ml.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.). The reaction mixture is poured into water, acidified with 5% hydrochloric acid and shaken with ether. The ether layer is washed' with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water in order, dried and concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate. The fraction eluated with benzene is concentrated and crystallized from a mixture of ether and methanol to give 5-methylthieno[4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5 cholesten13-one (0.13 g.) as crystals melting at 130 to 132 C. [(11 11:3 (C.=0.866, chloroform). UV-spectrum: A3111? m 221 (6: 12,630), 269 (6: 11,470), 305 (6: 2,280). IR-spectrurn: v,,f"" emf: 1658, 1574, 1493 Analysis.-Calcd. for C H OS: C, 79.04; H, 10.07; S, 7.28. Found: C, 79.81; H, 10.03; S, 7.40.

The starting material of this example, 5ot-hydroxy-6B- acetylthio-5a-cholestan-3-one, is known [K-omeno: Chem. Pharm. Bull, Japan, vol. 8, p. 672 (1960)].

sooom (A) To a solution of 5a-hydroxy-6fi-acetylthio-5acholestan-3-one (0.32 g.) in glacial acetic acid ml.), there is added p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.10 g.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 3 0 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with a mixture of ether and benzene. The organic solvent layer 18- is washed with water and dilute sodium carbonate solution in order, dried and concentrated. The resultant oil is purified on chromatography with activated magnesium silicate whereby 6a-acetylthio-4-cholesten-3-one (0.23 g.) is obtained as an oil.

UV-spectrum: m3? 235 m (B) 6ot-acetylthio-4-chloesten-3-one (2.35 g.) is chromatographed on alumina g.). The fraction eluated with petroleum ether-benzene (4:1) is concentrated, crystallized from methanol and recrystallized from a mixture of ether and methanol to give 5'-methy1thieno- [4',3,2-4,5,6]-5-cholesten-3-one (1.45 g.) as crystals melting at 131 to 132 C.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 5'-methylthien0 [4',3',2'-4,5,6] -5.- ch0lesten-3-0ne SCOCHs Ho sooom (A) 5a-hydroxy-6,8-acetylthiocholestan-3-one is reacted with thionyl chloride in pyridine as in Example 8(A) whereby 6,8-acetylthio-4-cholesten-3-one is produced.

(B) To a solution of 6fl-acetylthio-4-cholesten-3-one (0.10 g.) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml.), there is added p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.05 g.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is shaken with a mixture of ether and benzene. The organic solvent layer is washed with 'water and dilute sodium carbonate solution in order, dried and concentrated. The resultant oil is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate for purification to give 6at-acetylthio-4-cho.lesten- 3-one (0.08 g.) as an oil.

(C) 6a-acetylthio-4-cho1esten-3-one is treated with alumina as in Example 9 (B) whereby 5'-methylthieno- [4,3',2-4,5,6]-5-cholesten-3-one is produced.

EXAMPLE 1 1 Preparation of 5-methylthien0[4',3',2'-4,5,6] -5- pregene-3,20-dione Ho soool-n sooorr.

(A) To a solution of a-hydroxy-6fi-acetylthio-50:- pregnane-3,20-dione (2.00 g.) in pyridine (20 ml.), there is dropwise added thionyl chloride (1 ml.), and the resultant mixture is stirred for 5 minutes at 0 C. The reaction mixture is poured into a mixture of ice and water and shaken with chloroform. The chloroform layer is washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue is crystallized from methanol to give 65- acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (1.25 g.) as crystals melting at 185 to 187 C. chloroform) UV-spectrum: 1222;? 238 m (61 15,140). v',;, ,'i"'cm. 1695, 1660, 1611, 1118.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 71.09; H, 8.30; S, 8.25. Found: C, 71.54; H, 8.46; S, 8.07.

(B) 65-acety1thio-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.50 g.) is dissolved into a mixture of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.10 g.) and glacial acetic acid ml.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature 10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from methanol to recover the unchanged starting material (0.17 g.). The mother liquor of crystallization is chromatographed on alumina. The fraction eluated with benzene-ether (9:1-

Ill-spectrum:

8:2) is concentrated and crystallized from methanol to EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 5-metl1ylthieno[4',3',2-4,5,6]-5-pregnene- 3,20-di0ne (3H3 CH3 0:0 0

SCOCH:

Ho sooom (A) To a solution of 5a-hydroxy-6fl-acetylthio-5u-pregnane-3,20-dione (0.30 g.) in glacial acetic acid (15 ml.), dry hydrogen chloride is passed through for 1 hour. The resulting mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried and concentrated to give 6ot-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.24 g.) as a crud oil.

UV-spectrum: 236 my.

(B) 6a-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.24 g.) is chromatographed on alumina (7 g.). The fraction'eluated with benzene is concentrated and crystallized from methanol to give 5'-methylthieno[4,3',2-4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.10 g.) as crystals melting at 163 to 164 C.

Act hxmol mux.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 5 -methylthien0 [4 ',3,2'-4,5 ,6 1 -5 -pregnene- 3,20-di0ne SCOCH:

(A) 5a-hydroxy-6 3-acetylthio5a-pregnane-3,ZO-dione is reacted with thionyl chloride in pyridineas in Example 11(A) whereby 6fl-acetylthio-4=pre-gnene-3,20-dione is produced.

(B) To a solution of 6fl-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20- dione (1.02 g.) in glacial acetic acid (30 ml.), dry hydrogen chloride is passed through for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water, dried and concentrated to give 6a-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.88 g.) as an oil.

(C) 6a-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20-dione is treated with alumina as in Example 12 (B) whereby 5-methylthieno [4',3,2'-4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-dione is produced.

21 EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 5 -methylthieno [4',3 ',2-4,5,6]-5- pregnene-3,20-dione rC:3 I

H5 s ooom siooorrl (IJHa 0:0

I 1 l l/ (A) 5a-hydroxy-6/8-acetylthio-5u-pregnane 3,20-dione is reacted with thionyl chloride in pyridine as in Example 11 (A) whereby 6 8-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20-dione is 30 produced.

(B) 6fl-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20-dime (0.20 g.) is dissolved in ethanol (10 ml.), and an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide prepared from metallic sodium 0.44 g.) and ethanol (8 ml.) is added thereto. The resulting mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with water, acidified with 5% hydrochloric acid and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water in order, dried over sodium 0 sulfate and then concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate (8 g.). The fraction eluated with benzene-ether (921-822) is concentrated and crystallized from methanol to give .5'-methylthieno[4,3',2-4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.04 g.) as crystals melting at 163 to 164 C.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 1700 hydroxy 5 'methylthien0[4,3,2'-

4,5,6] -5 pregnene 3,20 dione and 17a acetyl0xy-5'- methylthieno-[4,3',2'-4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-di0ne ('1 H3 CH3 0:0 C=O p 1..... l l l 0- 5 0'- no SCOCI'IZ! SCOCH:

(3 H3 0 Ha (A) To a solution of 5a,17u-dihydroxy-6,8-acetylthio- 5a-pregnane-3,20-dione (0.83 g.) in glacial acetic acid (15 ml.), dry hydrogen chloride is passed through for 20 minutes while cooling with ice, and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand for 10 minutes under the same condition. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness to give 6a-acetylthio-17a-hydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione (0.81 g.) as an oil.

(B) 6a-acetylthio-17a-hydroxy-4-pregnene 3,20-dione (0.81 g.) is dissolved in anhydrous ethanol (40 ml), and an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide prepared from metallic sodium (1.80 g.) and ethanol (1.1 ml.) is added thereto. Thev resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with chloroform. The chloroform layer is separated, washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is purified on chromatography with activated magnesium silicate and crystallized from methanol to give 17a-hydroxy-5"-methylthieno[4',3,2-4,5,6] 5 pregnene- 3,20-dione (0.36 g.) as crystals melting at 240 to 242 C. [04],;3 47.8i 2 (C.=0.995, chloroform). UV-spectrurh: k323i? my: 221 (e: 13,050), 268.5 (e: 11,860), 304 (5: 2,430). IR-sueetra: v.',, emf: 3494, 1702, 1658, 1571, 1488; v,,,f' Clnfi: 3496, 1660, 1573, 1490. NMR-spectrurn: 7.71 1

(2 1-methyl) Analysis.--Calcd. for C H O S: C, 71.46; H, 7.82; S, 8.30. Found: C, 71.49; H, 7.82; S, 8.35.

(C) 17a-hydroxy 5 methy1thieno"[4',3',2,-4,5,6]-

. S-pregnene-3,20-dione (1,18 g.) is dissolved in a mixture of glacial acetic acid 10 ml.) and acetic anhydride (5 ml), and p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.12 g.) is added thereto. The resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with a mixture of ice and water. The precipitate is collected by filtration, washed with water, dried and crystallized from a mixture of acetone and methanol to give l7u-acetyloxy5'-methylthieno[4',3,2',- 4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-dione (1.06 g.) as crystals melting at 267 to 269 C. [041 -39.0- '-2 (C.=0.981, chloroform) I Treating with thiolacetic acid at room temperature Refluxing with acetic acid HO SGOCH:

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of 17/8-hydr0xy-17a-etliynyl-5-methylthieno [4 ,3 ',2'-4,5,6 -5 -estren-3 -one and 1 7B-acetyZ0xy-17aethynyl 5' methylthien0'[4',3',2 4,5,6] -5-estren-3-o'n slooorri (A) To a solution of5a,17,8-dihydroxy=6t acety1thio} H6 SCOOH;

17ot-ethynyl-5a-estran-3-one (0.33 p g.) in glacial acetic r acid ml.), there is passed through dry hydrogen chloride for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is'combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water'in order, dried over. anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give 6u-acetylthio 17;8-hydroxy-17a-ethynyl-4-estren-3-one (0.31 g.) as'an oil. 7 IRspectra: v;,, GEL-12 3 100, 3275, 1715, 1683, 1618, 1130,- 1 cm: 3626, 3286, 1700, 1687, 1622, 1130 max.

(B) To a solution of 6zx-acetylthio-17,B1hydroxy-17aethynyl-4-estren-3-one (1.44 g.) in anhydrous ethanol (150 ml.), there is added an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide prepared from metallic sodium (0.53 g.) and ethanol (50 ml.), and the resulant mixture is allowed to stand overnight at room temperature (10 to 30 C.). The reaction mixture is combined with water and sodium chloride and shaken with chloroform. The chloroform layer is separated, washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate (60 g.). The fraction eluated with benzene-chloroform (1:1-l:2) is concentrated to give 17 8-hydroxy-17a-ethynyl-5-methyltieno[4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5-estren-3-one (1.73 g.) as an oil. {liq-gspectrum: V,,f'" MIL-12 3618, 3274, 1665, 1576,

(C) To a solution of 17fi-hydr0xy 17a ethynyl-5- methylthieno[4,3,2'-4,5,6]-5-estren-3-0ne (1.70 g.) in glacial acetic acid (20 ml.),'there is added a mixture of acetic anhydride (5 ml.) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.18 g.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand overnight at' room temperature (10 to C.). The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, Washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on alumina (40 g.). The fractions eluated with benzene-petroleum ether (2:1) and benzene are combined together, concentrated and crystallized from methanol to give 17,8-acetyloxy-17a- 5 ethynyl 5' met hylthieno[4',3',2-4,5,6]-5-estren-3-one (1.37 g.) as crystals melting at 200 to 202 C, (decomp) [u] 90.4:2 (C.=1.059, chloroform). UV-spectrum: X5522? In 221.5 (6: 14,378), 268 (6: 12,609), 303 (6: 2,324). IRspectrum: vf,{,l;f" emf: 3308, 1741, 1667, 1575, 1492, 1256, 1034 Analysis.Calcd. for C T O S: C, 72.69; H, 7.12; S, 8.09; Found: C, 72.93; H, 7.17; S, 7.88.

The starting material of this example, 5a,17/8-dihydroxy-/fi-acetylthio-17a-ethynyl-Su-estran-3-one, is prepared from 5a,6u-epoxy-17a-ethynyl-5a-estrane-35,17 3- diol [Ringold et al.: J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 81, p. 436 (1959)] according to the following scheme:

GECH Treating with thiolacetic acid at room temperature 30 CEOH Treating with chromie trioxide in a'mixture of sulfuric acid and acetone O H 40 ECH H i l H6 s o 00m EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 5 '-methylthien0 [4 ,3,2 '-4,5,6 ]-5-pregnene- 3,20-di0ne (1H3 0:0

l I a s o o o H.

I (A) To a solution of 6fi-bromoprogestrone (0.56 g.) in acetone (25 ml.), there is added potassium thiolacetate (0.33 g.), and the resultant mixture is stirred for 4 hours at room temperature (10 to 30 C.). The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with Water, dried and concentrated to give 60t-acetylthio-4-pregnene-3,20 dione (0.45 g.) as an oil.

(B) 6a-acetylthio-4pregnene-3,20 dione (0.45 g.) is dissolved in toluene (20 ml.), and sodium hydride (0.11 g., 50% in oil) is added thereto. The resultant mixture is refluxed for 4 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The organic solvent layer is separated, washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from methanol to give -methylthieno[4,3,2-4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.19 g.) as crystals melting at 1 63 to 164 C.

The starting material of this Example, 6B-bromoprogesterone, is known [Ringold et al.: U.S. Patent 3,036,096].

EXAMPLE 18 OCOCHa S COCHs (A) To a solution of 6fi-bromo-17 3-acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (2.24 g.) in acetone (60 ml.), there is added potassium thiolacetate (1.26 g.), and the resultant mixture is stirred for 4 hours at room temperature to 30 C.). The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with a mixture of ether and chloroform (4:1). The organic solvent layer is separated, washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in'order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether to give 6a-acetylthio-17f3-acetyloxy-4-androsten-3- one (1.37 g.) as crystals melting at 192 to 194 C. The mother liquor of crystallization is purified by chromatography on activated magnesium silicate to give additional crystals (0.27 g.) of the same substance.

(B) 60!. acetylthio 17B acetyloxy 4 androsten- 3-oneis treated with alumina as in Example 5(B) whereby 175 acetyloxy 5' methylthieno[4,3',2-4,5,6]-5- androsten-3-one is produced.

OOOCHa N-brom0suecin mide in tetrachloromethane I Refluxing with OCOCI-Ia go l EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 1 7 ,B-propionyloxy-S '-methylthi e [4,3',2-4,5,6] -5-andr0sten-3-0ne (A) To a solution of 6/3-bromo-17(3-propionyloxy-4- androsten-3-one (0.93 g.) in dimethylforrnamide (20 ml.), there is added potassium thiolacetate (0.80 g.), and the resultant mixture is stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature (10 to 30 C.). The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with a mixture of ether and dichloromethane (4:1). The organic solvent layer is washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether and recrystallized from methanol to give 6a-acetylthio-17fl-propionyloxy-4-androste'n-3-one (0.71 g.) as crystals melting at 151 to 153 C. [(11 +40.9i2 (C.=1.006, chloroform).

UV-spectrum: A3123? 2355 me (6: 16,200). IR-speetrum: v,,, (MIL-11 1731, 1696, 1675, 1610, 1190, 1130.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 68.86; H, 8.19; S, 7.66. Found: C, 68.71; H, 8.21; S, 7.79.

(B) 600 acetylthio 17 8 propionyloxy 4 androsten-3-one (0.10 g.) is chromatographed on alumina (8 g.) and eluated with petroleum ether-benzene (1:1) and benzene. The fractions are combined together and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from a mixture of water and methanol to give 17 6-propionyloxy-5-methylthieno[4',3',2'-4',5,6]-5-androsten 3 one (0.04 g.) as

crystals melting at'lll to 113 C. (0.: 1.067, chloroform).

UV-spectrum: A223? 220.5 (6: 12,520), 268.5 (e: 1], 389), 304 (6: 2,292). IR-spectra: 11,3333 cmf z 1741, 1670, 1579, 1500, 1190; vfifigf cm.- 1725, 1665, 1572, 1493, 1186.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 71.96; H, 8.05; S, 8.01. Found: C, 71.80; H, 8.12; S, 8.13.

The starting material of this example, 6;3-bromo-17B- propionyloxyt-androsten-3-one, is prepared from testosterone propionate according to the following scheme:

(])COC7H5 Cy Refiuxing with N-bromosucciuimide in tetraehloromethane (])COC2H5 KC 2 Br EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 17 8-acetyloxy-5-methylthien0 [4',3,2-4, 5,6] -5-estren-3-0ne and 17fi-hydr0xy-5-methylthien0 [4',3',2'-4,5,6] -5-estren-3-one (?COCH3 OCOCHa fi I Br 6 o 0 CH3 (A) To a solution of 6,6-bromo-l7fi-acetyloxy-4-estren- 3-one (1.14 g.) in acetone (40 ml.), there is added potassium thiolacetate (0.67 g.), and the resultant mixture is stirred for 4 hours at room temperature to 30 C.).

. The reaction mixture is combined With Water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is Washed With Water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate. The fraction eluated with benzene-ether (9:1 1:1) is concentrated to give 6u-acetylthio-17fi-acetyloxy- 4-estren-3-one (1.00 g.) as an oil.

IR-speetrum: v 01117 1746, 1696 (shoulder), 1688,

(B) A mixture of fia-acetylthio-175-acetyloxy-4-estren- 3-one (0.22 g.) and sodium hydride (0.08 g., suspended in oil) in toluene (10 ml.) is refluxed for 5 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is combined with Water and shaken With ether. The ether layer is separated, Washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue is chrom-atographed on activated magnesium silicate (4 g.). The fraction eluated with benzene-ether is concentrated and crystallized from a mixture of water and methanol to give 17 8- acetyloxy 5 methylthieno [4,3',2'-4,5,6] 5 estren- 3-one (0.12 g.) as crystals melting at 171 to 172 C. [641 62.8:2 (C.=0.955, chloroform).

UV-speetrum: A3222? m 221.5 (6: 12,333), 267.5 (6: 11, 13s 303 (6: 2,197 IR-speetrum: .gg; emf: 1741, 1675, 1573,1495, 1247; 9 :1 6111- 1728, 1666, 1573, 1492, 1256, 1041.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 70.93; H, 7.58; S, 8.61. Found: C, 70.88; H, 7.58; S, 8.90.

(C) To a solution of l7B-acetyloxy-5'-methylthieno [4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5-estren-3-one (0.12 g.) in a mixture of Water and methanol, there is added potassium carbonate (0.20 g.), and the resultant mixture is refluxed for 30 minutes. After removal of the solvent, the reaction mixture is combined with Water. The separated crystals are collected by filtration and recrystallized from ethanol to give 17,8 hydroxy 5 methylthieno[4,3',2'-4,5,6]-5- estren-B-one (0.09 g.) as crystals melting at 215 to 217 C. [12],; 58.7i2 (C.=1.040, chloroform).

UV-speetrum: A322? m 221.5 (6: 13,107), 267.5 (6: 12, 041), 303 (6: 2,263). IR-spectrum: vf,{* cm." 3638, 3476, 1667, 1573, 1493, 1051.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 72.68; H, 7.93; S, 9.70. Found: C, 72.62; H, 7.92; S, 9.74.

The starting material of this example, 6fl-bromo-17/3- acetyloXy-4-estren-3-one, is prepared from 3,17fi-diacetyloxy 3,5 estradiene [Velluz et al.: French Patent 1,180,907] according to the following scheme:

OGOCHa Preparation of 17,8-hydr0xy-5-methylthieno [4 ',3 ',2'-4,5 ,6 -5 -estren-3 -0ne Refluxing with N-bromoacetamide and sodium acetate in acetic acid OCOOHa OCOCHa (A) 66 bromo 17,3 acetyloxy 4 estren 3 one is reacted With potassium thiolacetate in acetone as in Example 20(A) whereby 60c acetylthio 17a acetyloxy- 4-estren-3-one is produced. A

(B) To a solution of 6a-acetylthio-17fl-acetyloxy-4- estren-3-one (0.42 g.) in t-butanol (20 ml.), there is added a, mixture of metallic potassium (0.10 g.) and tbutanol 10 ml.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with Water and shaken wit-h ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate (4 g.). The fraction eluated with benzene-ether is concentrated and crystallized from a mixture of ether and methanol to give 175- hydro xy methylthieno[4',3',2'-4,5,6] 5 estren- 3-one (0.12 g.) as crystals melting at 215 to 217 C.

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 1 7 8-acetyloxy-l 7or-ethynyl-5-methylthieno [4 ',3 ,2'-4 ,5 ,6 -5 -estren-3 -0ne oooorn oooor-r e: 1-1 ozor-r C /\l n I 1 l 4 G=V 0 l E Br EOOCHz 000011: [/K-CECH 1 C: Y

LH3C- -S (A) To a solution of 6fi-bromo-17fl-acetyloxy-17aethynyl-4-estren-3-one (0.80 g.) in acetone (30 ml.),. there is added potassium thiolacetate (0.78 g.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether; The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dried over anhydrous ,sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from ether to give crystals (0.34 g.). The mother liquor of crystallization is concentrated and chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate. T-he frac-' tion eluated with ether-benzene is concentrated and crystallized from ether to give additional crystals (0.15 g.).

The above-obtained crystals are combined together and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone andhexaneto give 60c acetylthio 17/3 acetyloxy 17a ethynyl 4- 30 estren-3-one (0.42 g.) as crystals melting at 216 to 219 C. (decomp.). [M 34.4i2 (C.=0.999, chloroform) UV-spectrum: x3333 235.5 my (6: 17,343). IR-spec-.

trum: vfiif" cmf z 3300, 1742, 1690 (shoulder), 1674, 1623, 1260, 1134, 1120, 1022.

Analysis.-Calcd. for C H O S: C, 69.53; H, 7.29; S, 7.74. Found: C, 69.54; H, 7.35; S, 7.86.

(B) A mixtur of 60a acetylthio 175 acetyloxy 17aethynyl-4-estren-3-one (0.20 g. sodium hydride (0.10 g.) and toluene (20 ml.) is refluxed for 3 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shakenwith ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residueis chromatographed on alumina (9 g.). The

fraction eluated with benzene-petroleum ether, (1 1-2:1);

is concentrated and crystallized from ethanol to give 17,8- acetyloxy 17oz ethynyl 5 methylthieno[4',3',2'-4,5, 61-54estren-3-one (0.08 g.) as crystals melting at 200 to 202 C. (decomp.).

The starting material of this example, 6B-bromo-l7fiacetyloxy-17a-etl1ynyl-4-estren-3-one, is prepared from 3,176 diacetyloxy 17a-ethynyl-3,S-estradiene [Coltonz U.S. Patent 2,946,809] according to the following scheme:

OCOCHa Treating with bromine in tetrachloromethane at room temperature.

OCOOH;

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 1 7;8-hydroxy-1 7 u-ethyny l-5 '-methyl-thien0 "-"ozorr IQ I O:

H3O S (A) To a solution of 6fl-bromo-17 8-hydroxy-17ascoorn ethyny1-4-estren-3-one (4.57 g.) in acetone m1.), there is added potassium thiolacetate (2.80 g.), and the resultant mixture is stirred for 3 hours at room tempera- IR-spectru "max- (B) 60: acetylthio-l7B-hydroxy-17a-ethynyl-4-estren- 3-one is reacted with sodium ethoxide in ethanol as in Example 16(B) whereby 17/8-hydroxy-l7a-ethynyl-5- methylthieno[4,3,2'-4,5,6]-5-estren-3-one is produced.

The starting material of this example, 6fl-bromo-17 8- hydroxy-17a-ethynyl-4-estren-3-one, is prepared from 3- ethoxy-l7 8-hydroxy-17ot-ethynyl-3,S-estradiene [Knox et al.: J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 82, p. 1230 (1960)] according to the following scheme:

CEC H Treating with N-bromosuccinintide in acetone in the presence H of sodium acetate while ice-cooling.

C 2H5O EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 17,20,20,21-bismethylenedixy-5'-methyltlzielzo [4,3',2-4,5,6] --pregnen 3 one, 17a,21 dihyhydroxy 5"-methylthien0[4',3,2'-4,5,6]-5-pregnerze-3, ZO-dione and 1 7a-hydr0xy-2 Z -acetyl0xy-5 '-methyl1lzien0 [4,3 ',2-4,5,6] -5-pregnene-3,20-di0ne nesium silicate.

OH OCOCHa 6:0 1.1 l

1-13CL IS (A) To a mixture of 6a-bromo-l7,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one (3.33 g.) in dimethylformamide (40 ml.), there is added potassium thiolacetate (1.70 g.), and the resultant mixture is stirred at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for 4 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with water. The precipitate is collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to give 6a-acetylthio 17,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy 4-pregnen-3-one (2.98 g.). Ill-spectrum:

(B) To a solution of 6a-acetylthio-17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one (2.98 g.) in toluene (100 ml.), there is added sodium hydride (0.70 g., in oil), and the resultant mixture is refluxed for 4 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is washed with water. dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from acetone to give crude crystals (2.10 g.). The mother liquor of crystallization is concentrated and cromatographed on activated mag- The fraction eluated with benzenechloroform (9:1-121) is concentrated and crystallized from acetone to give additional crude crystals (0.35 g.). The thus-obtained crude crystals are combined together and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and acetone to give 17,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-5'- methylthieno[4,3',2-4,5,6]-5-pregnen-3-one (2.20 g.) as crystals melting at 286 to 287 C. [a] -107.5 i 2 (C.=0.962, chloroform).

UV-SPGGlZl'tlIIlI X3133 mu: 221 (6: 12,710), 268.5 (6: 11, 520), 301 (6: 2,310). 1509, 1401, 1096, 1000, 040.

Analysis.-Calcd. for C H O S: C, 67.54; H, 7:21; S, 7.21. Found: C, 67.70; H, 7.31; S, 7.72.

(C) 17,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy 5-methylthieno- [4',3,2-4,5,6]-5-pregnen-3-one (2.00 g.) is combined With formic acid (110 ml.) and ethyleneglycol (20 ml.), and the resultant mixture is heated at C. for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with chloroform. The chloroform layer is separated, washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is dissolved in methanol (80 ml.) and combined with 10% sulfuric acid (25 ml.). The resulting mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane layer is washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from methanol and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and ethanol to give l7 z,21- dihydroxy 5 methylthieno-[4,3',2'-4,5,6]-5-pregnene- 3,20-dione (0.43 g.) as crystals melting at 230 to 232C.

. [M 18.1:2 (C=1.012, chloroform).

UV-speotrum: M933? mu: 220.5 (6 14,050), 268.5 (6112, 410), 302 (6: 2,470). IR-speotrum: v,,',',f"' end- 3454, 34:31, 1710, 1660, 1574, 1493.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 68.62; H, 7.51; S, 7.97. Found: C, 68.41; H, 7.48; S, 8.05.

(D) To a solution of 17 11,2l-dihydroxy-5-methylthieno [4',3,2'-4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.10 g.) in pyridine (2 ml.), there is added acetic anhydride (0.5 ml.), and the result-ant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with water. The separated crystals are collected by filtration, dried and recrystallized from methanol to give 17a-hydroxy-21-acetyloxy-5'-methylthieno[4',3,2-4,5,6] 5-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.08 g.) as crystals melting at 222 to 224 C.

The starting material of this example, 6B-bromo-17,20, 20,21 bismethylenedioxy 4-pregnen-3-one, is prepared from 17,20,20,21 bisrnethylenedioxy 4-pregnen-3-one [Beyler et al.: J. Org. Chem., vol. 26, p. 2421 (1961)] according to the following scheme:

Refluxing with N-bromosueeinimide in tetrachloromethane under irradiation by infrared glow lamp.

EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of 17,20,20,21-bismethylenedixy-5'-methylthieno [4',3,2-4,5,6] pregnene-3,11-di0ne, 17a,21- dihydr0xy-5'-methylthieno[4',3',2',-4,5,6] S-pregnene- 3,11,20 trione and 17a-hydr0xy-21-acetyl0xy 5 methy lthieno [4 ',3 ',2'-4,5 ,6 -5 -pregnene-3 ,1 1,20-tri0ne GHQOH HaC S CHQOCOCHB (A) To a solution of 6/3-bromo-17,20,20,2l-bismethylene-dioxy-4-pregnene-3,ll-dione (3.42 g.) in dimethylformamide (40 ml.), there is added potassium thiolacetate (1.62 g.), and the resultant mixture is stirred at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for 5 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with Water. The precipitate is collected by filtration, crystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol to give 6a-acetylthio- 17,20,20,21-bisrnethy1enedioxy-4-pregnene 3,11 dione (2.43 g.) as crystals melting at 234 to 236 C. [04 +140.3:2 (C.=O.965, chloroform).

IR-spectrum: v' ffif' cmf z 1690, 1675, 1609, 1135, 1098, 1081 (B) 6a-acetylthio-l7,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy 4- pregnene-3,l1-dione (2.30 g.) is dissolved in toluene (70 ml.) and sodium hydride (0.48 g., 50% in oil) is added thereto. The resultant mixture is refluxed for 5 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is shaken with chloroform. The chloroform layer is separated,

washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness. The residue is crystallized from acetone to give crude crystals (1.70 g.). The mother liquor of crystallization is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate. The fraction eluated with chloroform-benzene (1:9-111) is concentrated to give additional crude crystals (0.24 g.). The above-obtained crude crystals are combined together and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and acetone to give 17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-S' methylthieno [4',3,2'-4,5,6] 5-pregnene-3,11-dione as crystals melting at 263 to 264.5 C. --47.7:2 (C.=1.005, chloroform) IR-spectrum: 11,113? cm.- 1698, 1668, 1571, 1099, 1076 Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S: C, 65.48; H, 6.59; S, 6.99. Found: C, 65.32; H, 6.65; S, 7.03.

(C) 17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-S' methylthieno- [4,3',2'-4,5,6]-5-pregnene 3,11-dione is treated as in Example 24(C) whereby 17a,21-dihydroxy 5-methylthieno[4',3,2-4,5,6] 5-pregnene-3,11,20-trione is produced.

(D) 17u,21-di-hydroxy 5'-mezhylthieno[4,3',2 4,5, 6] S-pregnene 3,11,20-trione is treated as in Example 24(D) whereby 17a-hydroxy-2l-acetyloxy-S' methylthieno[4',3',2'-4,5,6] S-pregnene 3,1 1,20-trione is produced.

The starting material of this example, 6fl-bromo-17,20, 20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnene-3,11 dione, is pre- Refluxing with N-brornosuccinimide in tetrachloromethane under irradiation by infrared glow lamp.

O-CO

\CH2 ....O/

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of '-methylfur0 [4',3',2'-4,5,6] S-pregnene- 3,20-di0ne H6 OCOOHa CH3 (3H3 1:0 C=O HaC O (A) 5a-hydr0xy-6B acetyloxy Sa-pregnane 3,20- dione (2.60 g.) is dissolved in acetic acid (50 1111.), and dry hydrogen chloride is passed through thereto for 3.5 hours while cooling with ice. The resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) for 1 hour. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate. The fraction eluated with benzene-ether is concentrated to give 6a-acetyloxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione (2.07 g.) as an oil.

Eig-zpectrum: vffiif cmf 1744, 1714, 1690, 1623,

. (B) In nitrogen stream, 6a-acetyloxy 4-pregnene-3, 20-dione (4.40 g.) is refluxed with sodium hydride (1.7 g., 50% in oil) in xylene (150 ml.) for 49 hours. The reaction mixture is combined 'with a mixture of ice and water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate g.). The fraction eluated with benzene-ether (9:1-1z1) is concentrated, crystallized from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether and recrystallized from methanol to give 5-methylfuro[4,3,2'-4,5,6] 5-pregnene 3,20-dione (1.20 g.) as crystals melting at 161 to 162 C. [1x1 46.3:2 (C.=1.028 chloroform). UV-speetrum: WE? m 208.5 (6: 16,000), 298.5 (e: 3,260). IR-spectrurn: 15:1 a ernr z 1707, 1690, 1662, 1582.

Ahalysia-Calcd. for C H O C, 77.93; H, 8.53. Found: C, 78.23; H, 8.58.

The starting material of this example, 5a-'hydroxy- 6B-acetyloxy-5a-pregnene-3,20-dione, is known [Ehrenstein et aL: J. Org. Chem, vol. 6, p. 908 (1941)].

EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of 17,20,20,21-bismethylenedi0xy 5'-methylfur0[4',3',2'-4,5,6,]-5 pregnene 3-0ne and :,21- dihya'roxy 5'-methyl fur0[4',3',2-4,5,6] S-pregnene- 3,20-dione (A) 17,20,20,21 bismethylenedioxy 4 pregnen-3- one (2.06 g.) is dissolved in anhydrous benzene (50 ml.) and a mixture of anhydrous ethanol (5 1111.), ethyl orthoformate (5 ml.) and pyridine hydrochloride (0.12 g.) is added thereto. The resultant mixture is refluxed for 1 hour. After cooling, the reaction mixture is combined with dilute sodium carbonate solution and shaken with a mixture of benzene and dichloromethane. The organic solvent layer is washed With water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under re 37 duced pressure. The residue is crystallized from methanol to give 3-ethoxy-17,20,20-,21 bismethylenedioxy- 3,5pregnadiene (2.25 g.) as crystals melting at 169 to 170 C.

(B) To a solution of 3-ethoxy-17,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-3,5-pregnadiene (8.47 g.), there is added a solution of monoperphthalic acid (3.60 g.) in ether (35 ml.), and the resultant mixture is allowed to stand in a refrigertor (around C.) for 100 hours. After elimination of separated phthalic acid by filtration, the filtrate is washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from ether to give 6fl-hydroxy-17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy 4- pregnen-3-one (4.53 g.) as crystals melting at 222 to 223 C. The thus obtained 6B-hydroxy-17,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one (4.53 g.) is dissolved in pyridine (14 ml.), combined with acetic anhydride (9 ml.) and allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is poured onto a mixture of ice and water and shaken with a mixture of ether and dichloromethane. The organic solvent layer is separated, Washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from ether to give 6fi-acetyloxy-17, 20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy 4-pregnen-3-one (4.64 g.) as crystals melting at 171 to 172 C.

(C) 6fi-acetyloxy 17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy 4- pregnen-3-one (5.90 g.) is refluxed with sodium hydride (2.50 g., 50% in oil) in xylene (300 ml.) for 20 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with methanol and shaken with benzene. The benzene layer is washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue (4.82 g.) is chromatographed on alumina (90 g.). The fraction eluated with petroleum ether-benzene (1:1) is concen- =trated. The residue (2.5 g.) is again chromatographed on alumina (50 g.). The fraction eluated with petroleum ether-benzene (2:1) is concentrated, crystallized from ether and recrystallized from acetone to give 17, 20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy-S' methylfuro [4',3',2'-4, 5,6]-5 pregnen-3-one (0.54 g.) as crystals melting at 220 to 222 C. [a] 182.4:2 (C.=1.049, chloroform).

UV-spectrum: kifilfif muz 210(62 14,030),297 (6: 3,190), 230 (shoulder, 6: 7,550). IR-spectrum: 11$?" (MIL-11 1688, 1662, 1586, 1095, 1076, 939

Analysis.Calcd. fOI' C25H320 C, H, Found: C, 70.32; H, 7.59.

(D) 17,20,20,21 bismet'hylenedioxy 5' methylfuro [4',3,2-4,5,6]-5-pregnen-3-one (0.54 g.) is combined with 60% formic acid (20 ml.) and ethyleneglycol ml.), and the resultant mixture is heated on a water bath for 1 hour. After cooling, the reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with dichloromethane. The diohloromethane layer ,is separated, washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is crystallized from ether and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol to give 17a,21-dihydroxy-5'-methylfuro[4,3,2'- 4,5,6]-5-pregnene-3,20-dione (0.18 g.) as crystals melting at 245 to 248 C. 101i-2 (pyridine).

UV-speetrum: k222i? m 209.5 (e: 15,090), 297 (e: 3,- 350), 230 (shoulder, 6: 7,220). IR-speotrum: 1133'?" cmr 34.66, 1702, 1684, 1652, 1570.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O C, 71.48; H, 7.82. Found: C, 71.28; H, 7.83.

The starting material of this example, 17,20,20,21-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnen-3-one, is known [Beyler et al.: J. Org. Chem, vol. 26, p. 2421 (1961)].

38 EXAMPLE 28 Preparation of 17B-acetyl0xy-5-methylfuro [4',3,2-4,5, 6] -5-andr0sten-3-one axnd 17fl-hydr0xy-5-methylfuro [4',3,2-4,5,6]-5-androsten-3-0ne OCOCH: OOOCHz 65? ,9 a Li MM (A) 66-hydroxy-17fl-acetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (8.50 g.) is combined with pyridine (60 ml.) and acetic anhydride (30 ml.), and the resultant mixture is all-owed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with a mixture of ice and Water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is washed with dilute hydrochloric acid solution, water, dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 6/3,17,B-diacetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (7.07 g.)

(B) 6 8,17fi-diacetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (7.07 g.) is dissolved in acetic acid ml.) and dry hydrogen chloride is passed through thereto for 2 hours while cooling with ice. The resultant mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature (10 to 30 C.) overnight. The reaction mixture is combined with water and shaken with a mixture of ether and chloroform. The organic solvent layer is separated, washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution and water in order, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from ether and recrystallized from methanol to give 60:, 17,8-diacetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (6.38 g.) as crystals melting at 192 to 194 C. [06113 +76.6:2 (C.=0.993, chloroform) UV-spectrurn: A323? 237 mu (e: 14,7 56). 1 3123% cmz 1745, 1686, 1626, 1236.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O C, 71.10; H, 8.30. Found: C, 70.95; H, 8.50.

(C) 6a,17,8-diacetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one (2.00 g.) is combined with sodium-hydride (0.8 g., 50% in oil) and xylene (60 ml.), and the resultant mixture is refluxed for 17 hours. The reaction mixture is combined with a mixture of ice and water and shaken with ether. The ether layer is separated, Washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue (1.85 g.) is chromatographed on alumina (36 g.). The fractions eluated with petroleum ether-benzene (4:1-1:1) and benzene are IR-spectrum:

combined together, concentrated and crystallized from a mixture of water and methanol to give l7fi-acetyloxy-5'- methylfuro[4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5-androsten-3-one (0.59 g.) as crystals melting at 128 to 130 C. [oc] 116.3i2 (C=0.982, chloroform).

UV-spectrum: A5533? my: 211 (61 15,070), 297.5 (6: 3,- 300), 230 (shoulder, 6: 7,710). IR-spectrum: v,,1{" cmf 1740, 1689, 1664, 1582, 1250.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O C, 74.56; H, 8.16. Found: C, 74.84; H, 8.27.

(D) 176 acetyloxy 5 methylfuro[4',3',2'-4,5,6]-5- androsten-3-one (0.59 g.) is refluxed with potassium carbonate (0.80 g.) and 80% aqueous methanol (50 ml.) for 1 hour. The reaction mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure and combined with water. The separated crystals are collected by filtration and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give 17B-hydroxy 5' methylfuro[4,3,2'-4,5,6] 5 androsten 3- one (0.32 g.) as crystals melting at 196 to 198 C. [M l20.0- -2 (C.=0.982, chloroform). UV-spectrum: AE LQP m 208.5 (6: 15,120), 296 230 (shoulder, 61 7,460). 3644, 1690, 1664, 1583.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O C, 76.79; H, 8.59. Found: C, 76.68; H, 8.63.

The starting material of this example, 6B-hydroxy-17flacetyloxy-4-androsten-3-one, is prepared from testosterone according to the following scheme:

R efluxing with isopropenyl acetate in the presence of cone. sulfuric acid.

0 C 0 0 Ha Treating with monoperphthelic acid in chloroform at 0 C.

OOOGHa It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of operation or exact compounds shown and described, it being intended to limit the invention only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A process for preparing steroid having a condensed heterocyclic ring which comprises treating a steroid of the formula:

40 wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl, X is a member selected from the group consisting of sulfur and oxygen. A is a member selected from the group consisting of methylene, carbonyl and hydroxymethylene and B is a member selected from the group consisting of carbonyl, 17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy and a group of the formula:

in which R" is a member selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, lower alkanoyloxy, acetyl, hydroxyacetyl and lower alkanoyloxyacetyl and R' is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, hydroxy and lower alkanoyloxy with a basic agent selected from the group consisting of alumina, alkali metal lower 'alkoxide, alkali metal hydride and alkali metal carbonate in an inert organic solvent at a temperature from 10-30 C. to reflux temperature to give the corresponding steroid of the formula:

wherein R, R, X, A and B each has the same significance as designated above.

2. A steroid of the formula:

wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl, X is a member selected from the group consisting of sulfur and oxygen, A is a member selected from the group consisting of methylene, carbonyl and hydroxymethylene and B is a member selected from the group consisting of carbonyl, 17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy and a group of the formula:

6. 17,6 propionyloxy 5' methylthieno[4',3,2'-4,5,

' 6]-5-androsten-3-one. 

2. A STEROID OF THE FORMULA: 